Via South King Fire
South King Fire is proud to announce our new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program, which was launched on July 1, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance community health and wellness by extending the Fire District’s reach beyond traditional emergency services to provide proactive, patient-centered care.
The MIH program is designed to address complex health issues within the community, offering an alternative to emergency room visits for non-emergent cases. The program will deliver preventative care, complex care management, and community health education directly to residents in their homes and neighborhoods by utilizing care coordinators and community care nurses.
Our MIH Staff have successfully met our community members when and where they are needed. Since their first day serving our residents, the MIH staff have generated 380 contacts with individuals requiring service. Additionally, staff have coordinated with partner agencies and surrounding jurisdictions to provide synchronized care.
“Our mission is to safeguard the community and enhance the quality of life by empowering our community through mobile resources,” said Deputy Chief Lisa Defenbaugh. “The MIH program aspires to improve wellness and healthcare delivery, ensuring our citizens receive the help they really need.”
Key components of the MIH program include:
Outreach through Referral: Identifying high-risk individuals, such as frequent EMS utilizers and seniors, to provide proactive health assessments and interventions.
Home Visits: Conducting in-home visits to assess living conditions, provide health education, and ensure follow-up care compliance.
Collaborative Care Coordination: Partnering with local healthcare providers, social services agencies, and community organizations to facilitate seamless coordination of care.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to refine the program and meet the evolving needs of the community.
Program Objectives:
Coordinate Care and Resources: Collaborate with local healthcare providers and services to provide comprehensive support tailored to individuals’ unique circumstances.
Reduce EMS Utilization: Addressing underlying healthcare and social service needs to reduce unnecessary emergency calls.
Mental Health Care: Connecting patients with community mental health services and crisis intervention.
Improve Access to Healthcare: Reaching underserved populations and connecting them with appropriate services.
Fall Prevention: Coordinating with local programs to prevent falls and related injuries.
“The MIH program represents a significant step forward in the level of service South King Fire can provide our community. I’m very proud of the work we have done so far, and I’m excited to see how the program grows to meet the increasing demands of our residents,” says Fire Chief Dave Van Valkenburg.
MIH is a strategic opportunity to enhance community health outcomes, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall emergency response effectiveness. By addressing the underlying healthcare needs of the community, South King Fire aims to reduce the strain on emergency services and foster a healthier, safer, and more resilient community.
South King Fire is dedicated to serving the community with pride. Our mission is to safeguard the community and enhance the quality of life by providing compassionate, high-quality emergency services.
